Today is Christmas day. To my surprise and utter disbelief the committee decided to hold the monthly NTTC class! I wonder how many students were going to attend the class on Christmas day.
Yesterday, I had promised that I would take Anna to buy curtains at Alamanda Carrefour. Anna would be furious if I cancelled the trip to attend the NTTc class. On the other hand I could attend the class in the morning and take her out in the afternoon.
Finally decided that it was too much trouble to attend two functions on the same day. Decided to skip the NTTC class and go shopping with Anna instead. At the end of the day, I guess her happiness is more important than attending a NTTC class. I'll be too selfish if I spend all my free time on my own pursuits without taking account of the needs of others.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Credit card scare
It was the first time that I couldn't use my credit at a major hypermarket.
Today is Christmas day and as it is a public holiday I and Anna went to Alamanda Carrefour to buy the month's groceries. Anna wanted to get a new curtain for the living room and she thought she could get a good buy at Carefour. By the time we finished we had bought about RM135.00 worth of groceries.
At the check-out counter even after the cashier had swiped my credit a few times the card reader refused to recognise the card. "Did the bank cancel my credit card facility?", the thought flashed across my mind. Fortunately, I had enough money with me to pay cash for the purchases.
One time in the past somebody used my credit card without my knowledge to buy gasoline. The bank found out about the fraud and cancelled the card after informing me about it. It took about two weeks later before I was issued a new card. During those two weeks I had to carry lots of cash with me in order to buy services and goods.
Called the credit card centre after dinner to find out the status of my credit facility. I was so relief to learn that my credit standing is still in order. My latest balance didn't indicate any unaccounted spending, thus ruling out credit card fraud.
Today is Christmas day and as it is a public holiday I and Anna went to Alamanda Carrefour to buy the month's groceries. Anna wanted to get a new curtain for the living room and she thought she could get a good buy at Carefour. By the time we finished we had bought about RM135.00 worth of groceries.
At the check-out counter even after the cashier had swiped my credit a few times the card reader refused to recognise the card. "Did the bank cancel my credit card facility?", the thought flashed across my mind. Fortunately, I had enough money with me to pay cash for the purchases.
One time in the past somebody used my credit card without my knowledge to buy gasoline. The bank found out about the fraud and cancelled the card after informing me about it. It took about two weeks later before I was issued a new card. During those two weeks I had to carry lots of cash with me in order to buy services and goods.
Called the credit card centre after dinner to find out the status of my credit facility. I was so relief to learn that my credit standing is still in order. My latest balance didn't indicate any unaccounted spending, thus ruling out credit card fraud.
1st anniversary of the Asia Tsunami
Today is Christmas Day.
Today also marks the first anniversary of the terrible Tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean states of Asia in 2004. Many people in the affected countries of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and to a lesser extend Malaysia, Somali and Myanma perished in the disaster.
Today also marks the first anniversary of the terrible Tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean states of Asia in 2004. Many people in the affected countries of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and to a lesser extend Malaysia, Somali and Myanma perished in the disaster.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
King Kong
Together with Anna and Amy watched the box office movie at Mines. All of us enjoyed the movie. Although a 3 hour flick Anna didn't fall asleep as she is accustomed to in the cinema. She was enjoying every minute of the show, thanks to the amazing special effects.
After the movie we took our dinner at the nearby Yong Tau Foo restaurant. We were a little disappointed at the rather poor service of the restaurant staff. All the waiters and waitresses have this dour and unsmiling looks in their face.
After the movie we took our dinner at the nearby Yong Tau Foo restaurant. We were a little disappointed at the rather poor service of the restaurant staff. All the waiters and waitresses have this dour and unsmiling looks in their face.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Memoirs of Geisha roadshow
Took one day leave to help out in the Aikido public demo in conjunction with the "memoirs of Geisha" roadshow. The roadshow is organised by a fruit juice and milk beverage manufacturing company using the movie to promote its products. As part of the promotion MAA was asked to give public demos to introduce Japanese culture to the general public.
The demo was held at Berjaya Times Square. Low Sensei and myself were the only MAA instructors who participated. Tony was supposed to give a presentation. He came to watch but didn't take part. Vincent, Tony's student was my uke.
Although this was the first time that I had practiced with Vincent, he was able to harmonise and blend in splendidly with my movements. I was quite pleased with how the demo turned out.
The demo was held at Berjaya Times Square. Low Sensei and myself were the only MAA instructors who participated. Tony was supposed to give a presentation. He came to watch but didn't take part. Vincent, Tony's student was my uke.
Although this was the first time that I had practiced with Vincent, he was able to harmonise and blend in splendidly with my movements. I was quite pleased with how the demo turned out.
The most expensive book
Bought a book from Borders called "The structure of Aikido". The book, written by Gaku Homma is about the relationship between sword techniques and the empty hand techniques in Aikido. I paid RM91.90 for the book. It is the most expensive book that I have ever bought in my life.
It is the first time that I come across a book that deals with the kenjutsu and the taijutsu relationship of Aikido with such clarity and in such detail. Although initially I felt guilty paying so much for the book, after reading it I felt it is worth the steep price.
For the first time I could clearly see how so many of the empty hand techniques are mirror images of the sword techniques.
The book will be a useful guide for teaching bokken applications to my students.
It is the first time that I come across a book that deals with the kenjutsu and the taijutsu relationship of Aikido with such clarity and in such detail. Although initially I felt guilty paying so much for the book, after reading it I felt it is worth the steep price.
For the first time I could clearly see how so many of the empty hand techniques are mirror images of the sword techniques.
The book will be a useful guide for teaching bokken applications to my students.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Oct & Nov fees
Transferred online RM465.00 into MAA HQ Dojo account. The money is the fees collected in Oct & Nov.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Handed MAA passbook application form to Low Sensei
During lunch time deposited RM12.50 into MAA account. The cash is Low Kim Loong's 5th kyu grading fee.
In the evening after work went up to MAA HQ to look for Low Sensei. He came in at 8.00pm and together with Lee we ascended the stairs to the dojo. Submitted Low Kim Loong's MAA passbook and 5th kyu grading application form. Also paid Low Sensei the RM5.00 for the passbook. Not long after two female students showed up at the dojo. I expected to see a crowd of people training in the dojo. Instead I counted 3 students while I was at the dojo. Maybe the downpour and heavy traffic were making it difficult for people to come on time.
As I was heading towards my car met Chan Fun Shin on his way up. He used to be a regular at my Thur class but lately have not seen him. Maybe he has decided to train with Low Sensei.
In the evening after work went up to MAA HQ to look for Low Sensei. He came in at 8.00pm and together with Lee we ascended the stairs to the dojo. Submitted Low Kim Loong's MAA passbook and 5th kyu grading application form. Also paid Low Sensei the RM5.00 for the passbook. Not long after two female students showed up at the dojo. I expected to see a crowd of people training in the dojo. Instead I counted 3 students while I was at the dojo. Maybe the downpour and heavy traffic were making it difficult for people to come on time.
As I was heading towards my car met Chan Fun Shin on his way up. He used to be a regular at my Thur class but lately have not seen him. Maybe he has decided to train with Low Sensei.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Thanksgiving prayer in Bentong temple.
Together with Anna, Amy, David and his girlfriend, we made the journey to Bentong after breakfast. I am surprised that David was bringing along his girlfriend to Bentong for the first time.
David took the wheel on the first leg of the journey. Arrived at Ah Meng's house in Bentong at 11am. After a chit chat we proceeded to the town temple.
I was surprised to see so many devotees already offering prayers at the temple. It reminded of the Chinese New Year crowd. This time none of our relatives accompanied us to the temple. Without the relatives around, we took a relatively shorter time to complete our prayers and offerings.
After the temple prayers, we headed to the Bentong morning market. By the time we got there, it was already pass noon and many stores were packing up.
Both Anna and Amy bought a few dresses. Each piece cost from RM5.00 to RM10.00, a bargain compared to KL prices.
Returned to KL at about 3pm. Amy took over the wheels on the return trip. We had to drive through a heavy downpour from Genting Highlands to KL.
I was quite worried at the way Amy handled the car particularly the downhill ride after the Genting Highlands tunnel. Fortunately nothing untoward happened although at times I was gripped with fear and tension. Arrived home in Kajang at 4.30pm.
Due to the uncomfortable return trip from Bentong Anna felt giddy and light-headed and had to lie down to rest.
David took the wheel on the first leg of the journey. Arrived at Ah Meng's house in Bentong at 11am. After a chit chat we proceeded to the town temple.
I was surprised to see so many devotees already offering prayers at the temple. It reminded of the Chinese New Year crowd. This time none of our relatives accompanied us to the temple. Without the relatives around, we took a relatively shorter time to complete our prayers and offerings.
After the temple prayers, we headed to the Bentong morning market. By the time we got there, it was already pass noon and many stores were packing up.
Both Anna and Amy bought a few dresses. Each piece cost from RM5.00 to RM10.00, a bargain compared to KL prices.
Returned to KL at about 3pm. Amy took over the wheels on the return trip. We had to drive through a heavy downpour from Genting Highlands to KL.
I was quite worried at the way Amy handled the car particularly the downhill ride after the Genting Highlands tunnel. Fortunately nothing untoward happened although at times I was gripped with fear and tension. Arrived home in Kajang at 4.30pm.
Due to the uncomfortable return trip from Bentong Anna felt giddy and light-headed and had to lie down to rest.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
David's graduation
By the time we got to Nikko hotel it was already 1.00pm. Saw a lot of graduates taking photographs in the hotel lobby.
Before entering the lobby, we had to pass through tight security screening. We had to surrender our handbags and hand phones for scanning. There were at least 3 policemen manning the security post. "Ah... some delegates to the Asean conference must be staying in the hotel..." I thought to myself.
The ceremony held at the hotel ballroom started at 2.00pm sharp. The whole process took about 2 hours. One by one the successful graduates went up to the stage to receive their degrees from the university authority. After the ceremony, the graduates and their guests adjourned outside for a buffet lunch. The fare was rather bland and uninteresting considering the RM80.00 that we were paying. After the lunch we took a few snapshots together with David. We also posed for a family shoot with a studio hired by the university for the occasion.
The bouquet of sunflower that we brought to the hotel was more of a hindrance than anything. I noticed only a small minority of people bringing bouquets of flowers into the ballroom.
Before entering the lobby, we had to pass through tight security screening. We had to surrender our handbags and hand phones for scanning. There were at least 3 policemen manning the security post. "Ah... some delegates to the Asean conference must be staying in the hotel..." I thought to myself.
The ceremony held at the hotel ballroom started at 2.00pm sharp. The whole process took about 2 hours. One by one the successful graduates went up to the stage to receive their degrees from the university authority. After the ceremony, the graduates and their guests adjourned outside for a buffet lunch. The fare was rather bland and uninteresting considering the RM80.00 that we were paying. After the lunch we took a few snapshots together with David. We also posed for a family shoot with a studio hired by the university for the occasion.
The bouquet of sunflower that we brought to the hotel was more of a hindrance than anything. I noticed only a small minority of people bringing bouquets of flowers into the ballroom.
Happy anticipation
I am looking forward to David's convocation ceremony in about one hour's time at Nikko Hotel. This morning the Star published his name in the convocation adv put up by Alberty Dundee University. I am sure Anna and Amy are also excited. The new digi camera which I bought recently can be put to good use.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
New dojo keys
Tony claimed that he didn't know that the landlord of the MAA HQ dojo building wants the building tenants to lock up the premises after 5pm. Dr Leong knew but wasn't aware of the implications and did not seemed too concerned.
This new arrangement is to bar a drug addict from sleeping overnight in the building. The individual tenants arer supposed to collect the key from the land lord by 12/07/05.
It appears that only Low Sensei is aware of the new ruling that the land lord imposes on his tenents.
I wanted to go to Low Sensei's dojo in Klang to collect the spare key. However he decided to pass the keys to Dr leong's Puchong clinic to be delivered to other senseis.
After work stopped over at dr leong's residence. His son passed the key to mr.
This new arrangement is to bar a drug addict from sleeping overnight in the building. The individual tenants arer supposed to collect the key from the land lord by 12/07/05.
It appears that only Low Sensei is aware of the new ruling that the land lord imposes on his tenents.
I wanted to go to Low Sensei's dojo in Klang to collect the spare key. However he decided to pass the keys to Dr leong's Puchong clinic to be delivered to other senseis.
After work stopped over at dr leong's residence. His son passed the key to mr.
Decline to attend the OCM dinner.
Last night Dr Leong called to ask if I want to attend the Majlis Makan Malam OCM to be held at Wisma OCM next week. When I turned down the invitation, Dr leong's response gave the impression that he was a little disappointed. Perhaps, he could not find any takers for the dinner. Anyway I thanked him for asking me.
The 2004 dinner I attended, none of the other senseis showed up. I had to ask my students from INTi and MAA HQ to fill up the table. Low Sensei turned down the invitation at the last minute. I felt like I was invited just to fill up the seats because no other people were interested.
The 2004 dinner I attended, none of the other senseis showed up. I had to ask my students from INTi and MAA HQ to fill up the table. Low Sensei turned down the invitation at the last minute. I felt like I was invited just to fill up the seats because no other people were interested.
Memoirs of a Geisha
To my amusement, today Low sensei forwarded me a message with the title of a movie about geishas that is soon to be shown in the local cinemas.
On further reading I found out that it is not about the movie. It is about an enterprise using the movie to promote its business. Among the promo activities is Aikido demonstration. I wonder what has Aikido got to do with geishas other than the fact that both are of Japanese origins?
Not sure if I want to participate. After so many years of doing such public demo I have grown tired of it. The public just want to watch free Aikido martial arts demo and not keen to learn the art.
On further reading I found out that it is not about the movie. It is about an enterprise using the movie to promote its business. Among the promo activities is Aikido demonstration. I wonder what has Aikido got to do with geishas other than the fact that both are of Japanese origins?
Not sure if I want to participate. After so many years of doing such public demo I have grown tired of it. The public just want to watch free Aikido martial arts demo and not keen to learn the art.
Monday, December 05, 2005
All work on a rest day
I am taking one day off from work today. I am supposed to be resting, yet I am still rushing here and there trying to accomplish some tasks. I guess my holidays are just another excuse to do some kind of non-office work.
After breakfast sent my car to the workshop to fix the leak in the trunk compartment. The mechanic said the worn out rubber gasket has become hardened due to old age and would not stop water from entering the trunk. After changing the rubber gasket told the mechanic to repair the rear bumper. Thought the repair work was simply tightening some bolts here and there. How wrong I was. The mechanic took about two hours of bending, knocking into shape, dismantling and reassembly to fix the rear fender. For all the trouble that the mechanic took ( almost 3 hours) he charged me RM110 only for the replacement of the rubber gasket and the labour for fixing the rear fender. I was happy to pay up for the service.
2.00pm. Lunch of rice and mixed meat and vegetables with Anna at the local restaurant in town.
3.00pm Bought the ROZI bedside table from Carvenzi. We had to collect the furniture from the store which is located near to the sales room. Cost of the table was RM119.00. Paid by credit card.
4.00pm. Kajang Hardware, Jln Reko. Bought a piece of 3 feet by 11/2 feet aluminum sheet for RM7.50
4.30pm. Flower shop Kajang wet Market. Ordered a bouquet of sunflower for David's convocation on Sat. We are to collect the bouquet from the store on Sat morning. The shopkeeper charged us RM50.00 for the flowers.
5.00pm. After installing the bedside table, climbed up the roof eaves to fix the broken roofing sheet. I inserted a piece of aluminum sheet under the broken abestos sheet. Fortunately the damaged was confined only to the eaves. It would have been more problematic if the damaged had occurred to the interior of the roof.
It appears that my holidays are never holidays in the true sense of the word. Instead of resting there is always something that I need to fix or errands to run whenever I am taking time off from work.
After breakfast sent my car to the workshop to fix the leak in the trunk compartment. The mechanic said the worn out rubber gasket has become hardened due to old age and would not stop water from entering the trunk. After changing the rubber gasket told the mechanic to repair the rear bumper. Thought the repair work was simply tightening some bolts here and there. How wrong I was. The mechanic took about two hours of bending, knocking into shape, dismantling and reassembly to fix the rear fender. For all the trouble that the mechanic took ( almost 3 hours) he charged me RM110 only for the replacement of the rubber gasket and the labour for fixing the rear fender. I was happy to pay up for the service.
2.00pm. Lunch of rice and mixed meat and vegetables with Anna at the local restaurant in town.
3.00pm Bought the ROZI bedside table from Carvenzi. We had to collect the furniture from the store which is located near to the sales room. Cost of the table was RM119.00. Paid by credit card.
4.00pm. Kajang Hardware, Jln Reko. Bought a piece of 3 feet by 11/2 feet aluminum sheet for RM7.50
4.30pm. Flower shop Kajang wet Market. Ordered a bouquet of sunflower for David's convocation on Sat. We are to collect the bouquet from the store on Sat morning. The shopkeeper charged us RM50.00 for the flowers.
5.00pm. After installing the bedside table, climbed up the roof eaves to fix the broken roofing sheet. I inserted a piece of aluminum sheet under the broken abestos sheet. Fortunately the damaged was confined only to the eaves. It would have been more problematic if the damaged had occurred to the interior of the roof.
It appears that my holidays are never holidays in the true sense of the word. Instead of resting there is always something that I need to fix or errands to run whenever I am taking time off from work.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Home coming
Yesterday was Anna's last day of work as a kindergarten teacher. Today Anna resumes life as a housewife. I wish her much happiness, joy and good health with her new life.
I think she is more suited to a life as a homeworker rather than a career woman.
I think she is more suited to a life as a homeworker rather than a career woman.
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